Sheffield set to host 2016 Olympic trials

Britain’s best divers will arrive in Sheffield next summer – with their only aim to secure their place on the plane to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The British Diving Championships 2016 will take place at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre from 10 to 12 June and will see Olympic nominations up for grabs.

The British Diving team secured five Olympic quota places at the World Championships in July 2015 and will be aiming to secure more berths at the World Cup in February.

National Performance Director Alexei Evangulov is excited to return to Sheffield and will have high expectations for the level of competition on show.

“Sheffield is a great pool that has showcased some of the best competitions we have hosted and I look forward to bringing the very best level of competition back to Yorkshire,” Evangulov said.

“This is an important competition for athletes on the road to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and I know this will bring out the very best performances from our athletes. The competition will be exciting with a high standard and I know we will have a strong team once this meet is finished.”

Councillor Sioned-mair Richards, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s really good to see this elite event return to Ponds Forge. Big events like this really boost Sheffield in terms of tourism, growth and economic investment.

“As well as being a major contributor to Sheffield’s economy, an events programme inspires people in Sheffield and South Yorkshire to become active themselves after seeing such fantastic, elite sportspeople come to our city.

“Who knows if a budding Tom Daley will see this and aim for the top. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the divers compete next summer.”

General Manager at SIV, which operates Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Dominic Stokes, said: “Ponds Forge International Sports Centre has a remarkable heritage in diving so it is fantastic once again to welcome and see Britain’s best showcasing their talents in our pool again.

“SIV has always been proud of the part we play in supporting elite events particularly ones that help support an athlete on their Olympic journey.”